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For more than 100 years the Society of Professional Journalists has been dedicated to encouraging a climate in which journalism can be practiced more freely and fully, stimulating high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism and perpetuating a free press.

About the Foundation

Since its founding in 1961, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation has promoted excellence and ethics in journalism. The SDX Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization that supports the educational programs of the Society of Professional Journalists and serves the professional needs of journalists and students pursuing careers in journalism.

Excellence in Journalism 2015Sept 18-20, 2015 – Orlando

Excellence in Journalism is the national journalism conference of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Radio Television Digital News Association. Join us in September in Orlando for training, networking, workshops and more!

SPJ Leads

SPJ News

SPJ Blogs: Newest Posts

Quill Headlines

Journalist's Toolbox

@SPJ_Tweets

Connect with SPJ

SPJ on Facebook

Upcoming Eventsand Deadlines

Become an SPJ Member

For more than 100 years the Society of Professional Journalists has been dedicated to encouraging a climate in which journalism can be practiced more freely and fully, stimulating high standards and ethical behavior in the practice of journalism and perpetuating a free press.

About the Foundation

Since its founding in 1961, the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation has promoted excellence and ethics in journalism. The SDX Foundation is a tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization that supports the educational programs of the Society of Professional Journalists and serves the professional needs of journalists and students pursuing careers in journalism.

Excellence in Journalism 2015Sept 18-20, 2015 – Orlando

Excellence in Journalism is the national journalism conference of the Society of Professional Journalists and the Radio Television Digital News Association. Join us in September in Orlando for training, networking, workshops and more!

MINUTES
MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
SOCIETY OF PROFESSIONAL JOURNALISTS
OCTOBER 7, 2007
HYATT REGENCY CAPITOL HILL
WASHINGTON, D.C.

MEETING CALLED TO ORDER
With President Clint Brewer presiding, the meeting of the board of directors of the Society of Professional Journalists was called to order at 8:02 a.m. on Sunday, October 7, 2007 at the Hyatt Regency Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C.

REGIONAL DIRECTOR APPOINTMENT
With Kevin Smiths election to the position of Secretary-Treasurer of the Society, a vacancy was created for the director of Region 4. Smith reported that he had recruited Jeremy Steele, business reporter at the Lansing State Journal and immediate past president of the Mid-Michigan Pro Chapter, to serve the remaining year of his term.

Upon proper motion and second by Kevin Smith and Sylvester, respectively, the board appointed Jeremy Steele as the Region 4 Director.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE ELECTIONS
Brewer opened the floor to nominations for the two at-large seats on the executive committee, joining the officers and immediate past president.

Upon proper motion and second by Aeikens and Hurley, respectively, Sylvester was nominated to serve on the Executive Committee.

Upon proper motion and second by McCloskey and Roth, respectively, Lehrman was nominated to serve on the Executive Committee.

There being no further nominations, Brewer called for a vote. Sylvester and Lehrman were unanimously elected to serve on the executive committee.

SIGMA DELTA CHI FOUNDATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The SPJ President may appoint as many SPJ board members to the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation board of directors so long as the majority of the Foundation directors are independently elected by the Foundation board. Brewer announced the following one-year appointments to the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation board of directors: Brewer, Aeikens, Kevin Smith, Ralston, Tatum, Augherton, Katcef and Hurley.

Brewer also asked the board to ratify the elections of the officers and directors of the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation. Officers elected to one-year terms were:
 Vice President Robert Leger
 Secretary Irwin Gratz
 Treasurer Howard Dubin

Upon proper motion and second by Aeikens and McCloskey, respectively, the board approved Brewers appointments to the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation board of directors, and ratified the elections of the officers and directors to the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation.

FINANCE COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
Brewer appointed Roth and McCloskey to the Finance Committee and asked for the board to ratify the appointments.

Upon proper motion and second by Aeikens and Lehrman, respectively, the board ratified the appointments of Roth and McCloskey to the Finance Committee.

SPRING CONFERENCE EVALUATION COMMITTEE
Brewer appointed a committee to evaluate SPJs spring/regional conference structure and to make recommendations to the board for improvements. The committee members are: Lunsford, Hurley, Poling, Sylvester, Steele and Govier.

BOARD ORIENTATION
Bill Culbertson, Baker & Hostetler, conducted an orientation session for the board of directors where he reviewed their responsibilities and duties.

NEW BUSINESS
SPJ FILM
Brewer inquired as to the status of the SPJ Film. The board voted in May 2006 to fund a film that was going to be made by the University of Florida. The film is not going to be produced.

COMMITTEE TO REVIEW PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
Brewer appointed a committee to review the Societys arrangements for professional services (e.g. accounting, legal). Committee members are: Brewer, Kevin Smith, McCloskey, Roth and Harper.

PROJECT WATCHDOG
Brewer requested the group to give some thought to the Project Watchdog program. He posed the question What should we do with this program in the future?

STRATEGIC PLAN RECOMMENDATION
Brewer asked the board to review a recommendation, from diversity chair Sally Lehrman, for additions to the inclusion section of the strategic plan. Brewer indicated that the board would discuss and vote at a later date. Lehrmans recommendation:

In Broad Goals - Add:
4. Educate journalists on and promote the tenets of inclusive journalism.
5. Ongoing assessment of professional development and other content to support the goal of inclusive coverage.

In Master Document - The description of objectives would change to:
Objectives for this area will integrate and institutionalize inclusiveness in all Society efforts so they are relevant to the diverse individuals (both in terms of demographics and discipline) represented in the profession and in news audiences.

Add:
4. Educate journalists on the promote the tenets of inclusive journalism (2007-8)
a) Incorporate diversity in all SPJ training and professional development
b) Market and maintain the Rainbow Source Book and Diversity Tool Box
c) Highlight connections between the SPJ ethics code and inclusion in content
d) Collaborate with other organizations on content and staffing issues
e) Participate in advocacy for inclusive newsrooms
f) Participate actively in the industrys Diversity Week
g) Promote our Source Book to journalism schools and other journalism organizations and encourage more links

ADJOURNMENTA motion was made by McCloskey and Ralston to adjourn the meeting at 9:50 a.m.